Upcoming events

    • December 02, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
    • 18
    Register


    Starting a Business Roundtable

    Big dreams. Smart starts. Real talk about launching your business.

    Join aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs for an interactive discussion about what it really takes to start a business. This roundtable, facilitated by the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center resident mentor, is a space to share ideas, ask questions, and explore key topics like business planning, funding, licensing, and local support programs. You’ll leave with greater clarity, confidence, and next steps for turning your business idea into reality.

    Seating is limited, please RSVP in advance. 

    Benefits of Attending:

    • Learn the essential steps to start and structure your business

    • Get answers to common questions about funding, registration, and permits

    • Discover local resources, workshops, and mentoring programs

    • Build confidence by hearing from others on the same journey

    • Connect with a supportive community of new entrepreneurs

    Highlights:

    • Free event, no membership required

    • Open to anyone exploring or starting a business

    • Practical, discussion-based format

    • Supportive and welcoming environment

    • Hosted at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center with light refreshments

      Networking

      The Center stays open 30 minutes after the event for you to network with the other participants. 

      Roundtable Host

      David McCulloch 

      David helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses as the resident mentor at GEC. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business development, marketing, and related legal matters. David has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership.


      Event Contact: 

      Greg Goebel, ggoebel@ggc.edu 


      • December 03, 2025
      • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
      • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
      Register


      The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

      Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

      Morning Collective

      Meets on:

      First & Third Wednesday 

      of Each Month

      PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

      In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

      7:30am - 9:00am

      Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

      Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


      Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

      • December 09, 2025
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
      • 22
      Register


      Small Business Marketing Roundtable

      Fresh ideas. Real conversations. Basic marketing know-how. 

      Join fellow entrepreneurs for an interactive discussion about small business marketing basics: what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. This roundtable, facilitated by a Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center staff member, is a space to share ideas, get feedback, and learn practical ways to promote your business more effectively. Whether you’re refining your brand, improving social media, or planning your next campaign, you’ll leave with new insights and inspiration.

      Seating is limited, please RSVP in advance. 

      Highlights:

      • Free event, no membership required

      • Open to every stage of business, from startup to growth

      • Exchange real-world marketing strategies and tips

      • Supportive, collaborative environment

      Networking

      The Center stays open 30 minutes after the event for you to network with the other participants. 

      Roundtable Hosts

      Greg Goebel is a GEC staff member. He hosts the small business collectives and the small business book club at the Center. He has helped hundreds of small business owners develop effective branding and marketing strategies. 





      Event Contact

      Greg Goebel, ggoebel@ggc.edu p


      • December 16, 2025
      • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
      • 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
      Register

      If you are interested in learning more about what the Center offers, a great first step is a visit. To accommodate that we are pleased to offer Staff-guided scheduled tours.

      The Staff-guided Tour will walk you through in small groups, escorted by a Center staff member.

      This one-hour tour offers direct insight into the benefits, purpose and mission of the Center as well as an opportunity for questions and answers.

      For more information about the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center visit www.GwinnettEntrepreneurCenter.com  


      • December 16, 2025
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
      • 29
      Register


      Exploring SCORE Roundtable

      Expert advice. Local support. Real stories of business success.

      Join entrepreneurs and small business owners for an interactive discussion about how SCORE can help you start, manage, and grow your business. This roundtable, facilitated by the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center resident mentor, features insights from an experienced SCORE mentor. Learn how to connect with a mentor, access free resources, and make the most of this powerful network of business support.

      Seating is limited, please RSVP in advance.

      Benefits of Attending:

      • Learn how SCORE mentoring works

      • Get tips on  how to get effectively matched with a mentor

      • Explore free SCORE tools for entrepreneurs

      • Build connections with mentors and peer

      Highlights:

      • Free event, no membership required

      • Open to anyone exploring or starting a business

      • Practical, discussion-based format

      • Supportive and welcoming environment

      • Hosted at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center with light refreshments

        Networking

        The Center stays open 30 minutes after the event for you to network with the other participants. 

        Roundtable Host

        David McCulloch 

        David helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses as the resident mentor at GEC. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business development, marketing, and related legal matters. David has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership.


        Event Contact: 

        Greg Goebel, ggoebel@ggc.edu 


        • December 17, 2025
        • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
        • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
        Register


        The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

        Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

        Morning Collective

        Meets on:

        First & Third Wednesday 

        of Each Month

        PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

        In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

        7:30am - 9:00am

        Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

        Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


        Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

        • January 07, 2026
        • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
        • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
        Register


        The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

        Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

        Morning Collective

        Meets on:

        First & Third Wednesday 

        of Each Month

        PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

        In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

        7:30am - 9:00am

        Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

        Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


        Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

        • January 12, 2026
        • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
        • Suwanee Branch, 300 High Line Street, Suwanee, GA 30024-2233
        Register

        JANUARY BOOK: 
        The Daily Entrepreneur by S.J. Scott and Rebecca Livermore at the Suwanee Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library 

        300 High Line Street, Suwanee, GA 30024-2233

        About the Book Club

        This group isn't just about reading, it's about dynamic interactions that can reshape your business strategies. Join us to engage in insightful discussions and connect with likeminded entrepreneurs.

        We open with a brief book talk, followed by interactive discussion of the topic. Please stay after for some open networking time! 

        • Open to any sector
        • Free registration, no cost to attend
        • Open to any stage of business
        • Read the book or just listen in

        About the Book

        "The Daily Entrepreneur" by S.J. Scott and Rebecca Livermore contains a series of Entrepreneur Success Habits (ESH) you can easily add to your hectic schedule.

        How to be Successful and Take Your Business to the Next Level Does your business struggle to generate a decent income? Having trouble landing clients or attracting customers? Want to become a freelancer or start a side hustle? Pay close attention if you said "Yes" to any of these questions... Entrepreneurship can be exciting. It can also be stressful, frustrating and full of challenges. Most entrepreneurs begin with a dream of financial freedom, but often the reality fails to match the expectations. The good news is, the problems you face are common to most--if not all--entrepreneurs. In fact, if you study the lives of successful people, you’ll find that regardless of industry, they encounter the same challenges you face and found a way to overcome them. Their secret? They focused on building specific daily habits.

        Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com

        Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in GEC groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

        • January 13, 2026
        • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
        • 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
        Register

        If you are interested in learning more about what the Center offers, a great first step is a visit. To accommodate that we are pleased to offer Staff-guided scheduled tours.

        The Staff-guided Tour will walk you through in small groups, escorted by a Center staff member.

        This one-hour tour offers direct insight into the benefits, purpose and mission of the Center as well as an opportunity for questions and answers.

        For more information about the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center visit www.GwinnettEntrepreneurCenter.com  


        • January 13, 2026
        • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
        • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
        • 32
        Register

        Big mission. Smart decisions. Real conversation about launching a nonprofit.

        Join community–minded residents and early-stage nonprofit leaders for an interactive discussion focused on the core question: should you start a nonprofit? This roundtable, facilitated by the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center’s resident mentor, helps you explore what a nonprofit is, how it differs from a traditional business, what it truly takes to operate one, and whether forming a nonprofit is the best pathway for the impact you want to make. You will also look at alternative ways to serve the community, common startup requirements, and the local support systems that can guide you.

        Seating is limited, please RSVP in advance.

        • Gain clarity on what defines a nonprofit and how it is structured
        • Understand how nonprofits differ from for-profit businesses in purpose, funding, leadership, and regulations
        • Learn the steps involved in starting a nonprofit, including mission development, governance, and state and federal filings
        • Explore other ways to create community impact without forming a nonprofit
        • Ask questions and hear practical insights from others exploring similar ideas
        • Connect with a supportive group of people who care about making a difference

        Highlights:

        • Free event, no membership required

        • Open to anyone exploring or starting a nonprofit

        • Practical, discussion-based format

        • Supportive and welcoming environment

        • Hosted at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center with light refreshments

          Networking

          The Center stays open 30 minutes after the event for you to network with the other participants. 

          Roundtable Host

          David McCulloch 

          David helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses as the resident mentor at GEC. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business development, marketing, and related legal matters. David has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership.


          Event Contact: 

          Greg Goebel, ggoebel@ggc.edu 


          • January 13, 2026
          • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
          • 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
          Register

          If you are interested in learning more about what the Center offers, a great first step is a visit. To accommodate that we are pleased to offer Staff-guided scheduled tours.

          The Staff-guided Tour will walk you through in small groups, escorted by a Center staff member.

          This one-hour tour offers direct insight into the benefits, purpose and mission of the Center as well as an opportunity for questions and answers.

          For more information about the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center visit www.GwinnettEntrepreneurCenter.com  


          • January 21, 2026
          • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
          • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
          Register


          The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

          Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

          Morning Collective

          Meets on:

          First & Third Wednesday 

          of Each Month

          PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

          In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

          7:30am - 9:00am

          Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

          Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


          Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

          • February 04, 2026
          • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
          • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
          Register


          The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

          Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

          Morning Collective

          Meets on:

          First & Third Wednesday 

          of Each Month

          PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

          In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

          7:30am - 9:00am

          Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

          Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


          Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

          • February 09, 2026
          • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
          • Five Forks Library 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville, GA
          Register


          Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss at the Five Forks Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library 

          2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville, GA

          About the Book Club

          This group isn't just about reading, it's about dynamic interactions that can reshape your business strategies. Join us to engage in insightful discussions and connect with likeminded entrepreneurs.

          We open with a brief book talk, followed by interactive discussion of the topic. Please stay after for some open networking time! 

          • Open to any sector
          • Free registration, no cost to attend
          • Open to any stage of business
          • Read the book or just listen in

          About the Book

          Bestselling authors and cohosts of the TED podcast Fixable , Frances Frei and Anne Morriss reinvent the playbook for how to lead change—with a radical approach that moves fast, builds trust, and accelerates excellence. Speed has gotten a bad name in business, much of it deserved. When Facebook made "Move fast and break things" an informal company motto, it fueled a widely held belief that we can either make progress or take care of people, one or the other. That a certain amount of wreckage is the price we have to pay for inventing the future. Leadership experts Frances Frei and Anne Morriss argue that this belief is deeply flawed—and that it keeps you from building a great company.



          Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com

          Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in GEC groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

          • February 10, 2026
          • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
          • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
          • 32
          Registration is closed


          Exploring SCORE Roundtable

          Expert advice. Local support. Real stories of business success.

          Join entrepreneurs and small business owners for an interactive discussion about how SCORE can help you start, manage, and grow your business. This roundtable, facilitated by the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center resident mentor, features insights from an experienced SCORE mentor. Learn how to connect with a mentor, access free resources, and make the most of this powerful network of business support.

          Seating is limited, please RSVP in advance.

          Benefits of Attending:

          • Learn how SCORE mentoring works

          • Get tips on  how to get effectively matched with a mentor

          • Explore free SCORE tools for entrepreneurs

          • Build connections with mentors and peer

          Highlights:

          • Free event, no membership required

          • Open to anyone exploring or starting a business

          • Practical, discussion-based format

          • Supportive and welcoming environment

          • Hosted at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center with light refreshments

            Networking

            The Center stays open 30 minutes after the event for you to network with the other participants. 

            Roundtable Host

            David McCulloch 

            David helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses as the resident mentor at GEC. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business development, marketing, and related legal matters. David has over 30 years of experience in senior leadership.


            Event Contact: 

            Greg Goebel, ggoebel@ggc.edu 


            • February 18, 2026
            • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
            • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
            Register


            The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

            Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

            Morning Collective

            Meets on:

            First & Third Wednesday 

            of Each Month

            PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

            In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

            7:30am - 9:00am

            Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

            Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


            Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

            • February 19, 2026
            • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
            • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
            Registration is closed


            You Can with Canva 

            SAVE THE DATE

            Registration opens 30 days before the event.

            Discover what you can do with Canva and how it can help you create stunning marketing solutions for your business.

            What You’ll Leave with:

            • A better understanding of how the tool works
            • An awesome reference worksheet 
            • Your custom personal or business design, created in Canva

            Meet Our Presenter: Shannel Wheeler

            Shannel Wheeler is a creative and brand strategist, graphic designer, instructor, 2X author, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Awesome Design Academy. She is an alum of The Ohio State University and SCAD Atlanta, studying both visual communication design and interactive design. With 20 years of professional experience, Shannel has a breadth of knowledge, creating branding and design solutions for Fortune 500 clients, corporate brands, nonprofits, small businesses, tech startups, and her own entrepreneurial pursuits.

            Shannel believes that learning design should be fun, engaging, and practical for today's world. She uses online content, creative products, books, workshops, and classes to teach and inspire learners to apply what they've learned to their personal, professional, or business goals. She continues to remain a lifelong learner and practitioner of what she teaches through brand and design implementation for her clients. Above all, her primary goal is to create with purpose and help others do the same.

            ________________________________________

            For further information please contact Greg Goebel at the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com.
            • March 04, 2026
            • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
            • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
            Register


            The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

            Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

            Morning Collective

            Meets on:

            First & Third Wednesday 

            of Each Month

            PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

            In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

            7:30am - 9:00am

            Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

            Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


            Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

            • March 09, 2026
            • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
            • GCPL Centerville Branch, 3025 Bethany Church Rd, Snellville, GA 30039
            Register


            About the Book Club

            This group isn't just about reading, it's about dynamic interactions that can reshape your business strategies. Join us to engage in insightful discussions and connect with likeminded entrepreneurs.

            We open with a brief book talk, followed by interactive discussion of the topic. Please stay after for some open networking time! 

            • Open to any sector
            • Free registration, no cost to attend
            • Open to any stage of business
            • Read the book or just listen in

            About the Book

            Have you ever wanted to make a big change in your life but weren’t sure where to start? In Powershift, Daymond John shares the answer. To take control of your destiny and drive the change you want to see, you need to lay the groundwork so you’re prepared to seize every opportunity that comes your way. And that means mastering

            Influence—make an impression: Develop a reputation that highlights what you stand for.

            Negotiation—make a deal: Hone a win-win negotiating style.

            Relationships—make a connection last: Nurture those connections you make along the way.

            Through never-before-told stories from his life and career, Daymond shares the lessons that got him to where he is today: from how he remade his public image as he transitioned from clothing mogul to television personality, to how he mastered the negotiation strategies that determine whether deals are won or lost “in the tank,” to his secrets for building long-lasting—and profitable—relationships with founders and brands.

            Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com

            Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in GEC groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

            • March 18, 2026
            • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
            • In Person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville
            Register


            The GEC Small Business Collectives provide a comfortable and confidential environment for small business entrepreneurs to share ideas and discuss the challenges of business. These peer-to-peer gatherings last for 90 minutes, providing a convenient opportunity for busy individuals to come together, network, and collaborate.

            Registration is free, open to the public. Coffee & water provided. Feel free to bring your breakfast. 

            Morning Collective

            Meets on:

            First & Third Wednesday 

            of Each Month

            PLUS special networking breakfast every fifth Wednesday! 

            In person at GEC 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

            7:30am - 9:00am

            Visit our Small Business Collectives Page

            Contact Greg Goebel at GEC@GwinnettCounty.com


            Note: Our small business programs are specifically geared toward adults who are starting or running a small business. In addition, our building is specifically set up as an adult learning and business center. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate children in our groups, classes, workshops, and other events.

          Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center. 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

          Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software